First Battle of Ķekava

The First Battle of Kekava occurred in March 1916 on the eastern front during World War I.

Background
following Russian retreats Russian forces ended up outside of Kekava and decided to begin an attack alongside the Lake Naroch offensive.

Forces
The 13th Siberian Rifle Division of the 12th Army of the Russian Empire fought against 35th infantry reserve regiment of the German army and were joined by Latvian riflemen battalions.

Battle
The attack at Ķekava began on March 21, 1916 in meadows flooded by the tides. After an artillery shelling of the enemy's forts, Latvian riflemen and soldiers of the 51st Siberian Rifle Regiment went towards the German fortified positions. Despite initial success of the first two Latvian rifle battalions, it was not possible to maintain the front break for a long time. The Germans, attracting additional reserves, launched a counterattack in the evening to regain lost positions. the German forces then them back to their starting positions.

Aftermath
following the battle came the second battle of Kekava also known as the battle of Julius in June.